A common issue many holidaymakers face abroad is unfair car hire fuel policies. These appear as low rental rates but certain suppliers then bolster prices with high hidden upfront fuel payments. Zest Car Rental only operate with suppliers that offer fair fuel policies ensuring you’re getting the best deal. Our guide below covers the differing fuel policies available to you with top tips on how to best approach them.
Photo by: tpschult/Adobe Stock
Full-Empty
This car hire fuel policy can mean trouble. You have to pay for a full tank of fuel on collection of the vehicle. This fuel is then yours to use which might sound fair, until you return the car. You’re expected to return the car with an empty tank. Many people found that they were ultimately paying for fuel they weren’t using (perhaps hiring at large car then not travelling far). No refunds are given for any fuel returned with the vehicle. Hirers were paying the inflated rate for fuel set by the supplier and then giving unused fuel back to them. This fuel policy isn’t as common as it once was, but it’s worth looking out for.
Top tip: If hiring a car with this policy, ensure you can travel enough to be able to return the vehicle with an empty tank, or as close to as possible, to avoid losing money!
Full-Full
Your hire vehicle will be supplied to you with a full tank of fuel and you’ll need to return it full of fuel. Many customers prefer this method as it’s simple and straightforward.
Some suppliers will require a fuel deposit on collection to cover the cost of the tank of fuel that they’re supplying you with. This will be refunded in full providing the car is returned full of fuel.
Beware! There are some suppliers that charge a non-refundable administration charge for providing a full tank of fuel. Zest don’t work with any suppliers that charge this fee.
If you return the vehicle without a full tank, you’ll be charged for the cost of missing fuel. A refuelling fee will also be charged to cover the supplier’s time refilling the car. The missing fuel will be charged to you at a higher-than-pump price.
Top tip: Note where’s closest to your drop-off point to re-fuel just before you return the car. If you’re unsure of the best place to re-fuel, contact us or the supplier for advice.
Photo by: mikemobil2014/Adobe Stock
Return with same amount
You’ll be required to return the hire vehicle with the same level of fuel as it had upon collection. The level of fuel supplied will be written on the rental agreement that you’ll be asked to sign. Check that this record matches the fuel gauge before you drive off. If you have any concerns over this, contact Zest at the time for assistance.
Beware! You’ll get no refund if you return the vehicle full of fuel when you signed an agreement to say it would be returned quarter-full.
Top tip: Take a photo of the car hire fuel gauge on collection of the vehicle and again on return so you’re able to prove that you complied with the fuel policy should it come into question.
Choose the best car hire fuel policy for you
Consider how much travelling you’ll be doing, the vehicle category you require, and how easy it will be for you to re-fuel. All these factors can help you decide which fuel policy is the best for you.
Should you have any queries about fuel policies, or would like advice on which suppliers operate with what fuel policies, don’t hesitate to contact our Reservations Team.
You may also be interested in reading ‘Tips for collecting your hire car at night’ and ‘Hidden fees: What are the real car hire costs?’.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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We would like a car 25/4/17 to 3/5/17 Astra or similar full/full fuel
Addition of extra insurance
Collect at Alicante airport
Can you provide this please
Good afternoon,
Thanks for getting in touch. We have a Ford Focus (or similar) 4 doors, 5 seats available with Centauro for £104. This price includes Excess Reimbursement Insurance which provides a refund for any charges made in the event of collision damage or theft, a free additional driver, unlimited mileage and a fair fuel policy. With Centauro you must pay for a full tank of fuel on collection of the vehicle. This will be refunded providing that the vehicle is returned with a completely full tank. Top-up insurance, which is a reimbursement insurance covering loss or damage to the wheels, tyres, glass parts, underside and roof will cost £20 for the duration of your rental. This brings the price to £124. If you take top-up insurance, you would not need to purchase any further insurances upon collection. Centauro is based at the airport so simply proceed to the car rental provider’s desk in the Arrivals Hall. Vehicles are available from the airport car park. You will need a valid credit card upon collection to enable the supplier to authorise a security deposit of 1050EUR.
We also work with Drivalia, who have an Opel Astra (or similar) available for £103. All of the above inclusions are the same as with Centauro. They are located off-site, so you need to get a shuttle bus to their depot. Their fuel policy is – no charge when vehicles are returned with the same amount of fuel. The security deposit amount is also slightly higher at 1250EUR.
Click here to view this quote on our website: https://www.zestcarrental.com/click/?olq=106466428&adm=813&adt=41
If I can assist any further, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards
Gemma
Zest Car Rental